Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 102355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
“A few girls are out with a stomach bug so we’re short-staffed,” she says hurriedly. “Annika, you’ve worked VIP before, haven’t you?”
“A bunch. Last summer.”
Thalia nods, already focusing on the next group of servers. “Okay, yeah. You’ll help Elle if she needs it, then. Simone, I need you to stay down here on the main floor and help cover Mia’s section. It’s going to be a madhouse.”
Annika turns to me, shimmying with excitement. “We’re so lucky. Normally the vets get the VIP section, girls who have been here for multiple summers, even longer than me. I should have thought to make them sick ages ago—”
“Annika!”
She rolls her eyes as she takes my hand and squeezes, already pulling me toward the VIP stairs. “I’m kidding. But seriously, tonight will be the best tip-out ever, just watch. Working up here is a breeze compared to working the floor. Only difference is, you’re more of a wallflower up here. Seen and not heard, that kind of thing. Offer good customer service but otherwise keep your distance and play it cool. Come on, I’ll introduce you to the bartenders.”
Thirty minutes later, I’m smiling to myself thinking of Winnie. She might not have put “get into VIP at Aura” on her bucket list, but I’m convinced that’s only because she didn’t know it existed. She would have loved to experience this. The balcony is positioned just over the stage, so the view of the club and crowd is insane. If I had my phone on me, I’d snap a photo to send to Lita. I checked in with her this morning and, of course, mentioned the fact that Cristiano had found me.
She seemed excited. “I knew it wouldn’t take long.”
“Just so you know, it was pure coincidence. I didn’t meet him until after I got a job at one of his clubs.”
“Fate, then,” she said, sounding wistful.
“Not even close,” I argued, casting aside her silly comment.
“Is he doing like I asked? Watching out for you?”
“I told him I don’t need it. I’m an adult.”
“Isabel.” She tsked. “I’m worried about you there all on your own.”
“I’ve made friends, two girls I work with. We watch out for each other.”
“Good. Real friends are exactly what you need. And if Cristiano keeps an eye on you as well, all the better.”
“Lita.”
She laughed. “What? You didn’t think I’d have any concessions when you pulled me into this plan of yours? It’s either him or me. You want your grandmother to come down to Ibiza? I will at the first sign of trouble, I promise you that.”
“You’re being overbearing.”
“Any grandmother would be. You’re too precious for me to take any chances.”
How was I supposed to argue with that? With Winnie gone, it’s just me, her lone granddaughter.
“Fine. Okay. If he wants to babysit me, I’ll let him.”
I love this song, but I can’t dance. I’m supposed to be a wallflower. Annika and I are positioned near the VIP bar, scanning the crowd, waiting for someone to hold up a hand or nod in our direction. We’ve already made our first few rounds, offering up bottles of expensive champagne and top-shelf liquor, delivering cocktails and drinks to anyone who wants them. Now, we’ve reached a slight lull.
“We’re just supposed to stand here?” I try not to sound disappointed.
Annika’s light blue eyes slide to me. “Why are you complaining? We’re going to get a fat tip for this, so smile and look pretty.”
“It’s just a little boring.”
“You sure that’s the real problem?”
I act like I have no idea what she’s referring to, though I know she’s hinting about Cristiano. A few minutes ago, his entourage arrived up in VIP without him, all the same men and women I recognize from the last time he was here at Aura, including the woman who draped her arm over his shoulder and called him Cristiano, baby. As she cut through the VIP section, trying to get to their reserved table, our eyes met. Hers narrowed with recognition, and since then, she’s been the most demanding customer up here.
Now she raises her hand again. Another server hurries over, but she shakes her head and points to me. I’m her servant for the night, and she wants me to know it.
I throw Annika a look and then head over, forcing a smile before I reach her.
“This has too much gin,” she says with a pretty Spanish accent. She holds up her martini for me to take.
“I’m sorry. Let me have the bartender make you a fresh one.”
She smiles tightly, more of a sneer, really, and then she turns away, dismissing me.
I take the martini over to the bar and slide it across to Ethan. He’s up here with us tonight, which I’m sure is making Annika happy. I’ve already caught them flirting a few times.
“Sorry. She says there’s too much gin in this.”